OJ Simpson. Ethan Miller/AP Imprisoned former football star O.J. Simpson has a parole hearing set for Thursday at 1 p.m. EST — and it has big implications.

If it goes in his favor, Simpson could be released as early as October 1 from the Nevada prison where he's served more than eight years for armed robbery and kidnapping.

Legal experts say Simpson, 70, has a good chance of receiving parole and walking away from the remainder of his nine to 33-year sentence.

Here's what you need to know about Simpson's imprisonment and potential parole, and how to watch the hearing (which will be televised):

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Why is he in prison?

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Simpson was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping in October 2008 for his part in a September 2007 crime committed in a Las Vegas casino hotel.

Simpson and five accomplices held two men at gunpoint in a confrontation over sports memorabilia and personal items, which Simpson claimed had been stolen from him. Though Simpson insisted he didn't know anyone was armed in the crime, he was eventually convicted of several weapons charges.

Four of the six men involved in the crime plead guilty and testified in the trial. Simpson and his friend, Clarence "CJ" Stewart, were later both found guilty of 12 charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, and conspiracy.

Simpson faced a potential life sentence, but in December 2008, he was instead sentenced to a minimum of nine years and a maximum of 33 years at the Lovelock Correctional Facility in Lovelock, Nevada.

This all has nothing to do with the famous 1994 trial and acquittal Simpson had after he was charged with murdering his ex-wife.

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What are the chances he's released on parole?

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No one on the Nevada parole board is expected to oppose Simpson's parole release on Thursday, according to an Associated Press report.

Simpson will appear in front of the four-member board through a video conference at 1 p.m.

The board previously granted Simpson parole in 2013 on his burglary count, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of robbery. He remained in prison, however, on the seven other charges related to his use of a deadly weapon.

If granted parole on Thursday, Simpson could be released from prison as early as October 1.

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Where can I watch the parole hearing?

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There are a few ways to watch Simpson's parole hearing on Thursday at 1 p.m. EST, for which more than 240 media credentials have reportedly been granted.

ESPN— which produced the Oscar-winning 2016 documentary "OJ: Made In America" about the life and crimes of the former football star — will broadcast the trial with analysis from legal experts and sports anchors.

NBC News will also cover the event and feature commentary from Chris Darden, the co-counsel attorney in the prosecution of Simpson's 1994 trial.